Article sent from The Hindu on indiaserver.com

[Guest guest]

=============================================================

This article is emailed to you by Ram Chandran ( chandran )

=============================================================

Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

God's auspicious attributes

 

CHENNAI, JUNE 2. While it may not be possible for everyone to

witness and enjoy the beatific vision of God directly, any

devotee can worship His different forms through consecrated idols

and derive supreme satisfaction. God breathes in them and this

has been experienced by saints, divine minstrels and men of deep

faith. God's messengers, who have visited various pilgrim centres

where the Lord resides in temples, have gone into ecstasy and

sung His praise. They have adored His auspicious qualities and

drawn inspiration from the religious literature in which

innumerable instances are contained pointing out the merciful

deeds of the Lord.

 

Scriptures clearly say that the term ``Bhagawan'' or the Supreme

Being can apply only to one who can carry out any wish just by

His powers. His affability has no comparison and He is accessible

to anyone who clings to His feet. He is compassionate, possesses

strength and knowledge. In the Ramayana, as Rama, His 16 virtues

have been elaborated. Three among God's auspicious attributes

were explained in detail in a discourse by Sri R.Kannan Swamigal.

The best examples for God's compassion can be seen when He spared

Mareecha and Kakasura, both of whom did great harm to the sages

and to Sita. The former declared Him as the ``Replica of

righteousness'' while the latter was saved when no one in all the

worlds could save him from a dangerous situation. To protect

those who pray to Him is His extraordinary virtue. Nammazhwar

extols His mercy while singing the glory of the deity at

Thiruvallavaazh.

 

Likewise, to extend protection to His devotees who are prevented

from their duties by wicked forces is His resolve. On one

occasion, when Sita politely reminded Rama not to punish the

demons who had not directly intervened in His routine, He replied

that He would honour the pledge given to the innocent sages and

this firm decision of His would never be given up, come what may.

A verse says if God resolves to save a person, none can prevent

Him and likewise, if He declines to help anyone, others cannot

force Him. This aspect dealing with His covenant has been

highlighted in the song adoring God in the temple at

Thiruvannvandoor.

 

The third is the timely assistance extended to devotees. God will

never let them suffer. How Draupadi was saved when unruly forces

tried to disrobe her in public and again when a sage, known for

his intemperance tested her by announcing to take lunch at her

hermitage with a huge retinue, are proofs which will give hope

for devotees who pin their total faith in Him. The song on the

Lord at Thirukkolur mentions about God's determination to render

protection.

 

Copyrights: 2000 The Hindu & Tribeca Internet Initiatives Inc.

 

Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly

prohibited without the consent of The Hindu & Tribeca Internet Initiatives Inc.